The parking lot may not seem like a dangerous place, but on a 90-degree day inside a parked car, temperatures can reach 109 degrees in just 10 minutes – deadly temperatures for dogs (or anyone else) trapped inside. So far in 2021, at least 49 dogs have died in parked cars because someone took them to run errands when they should have been left at home – and these are the only reported deaths. Deaths like these are tragic and easy to avoid: don’t leave anyone in the car!
After discussions with PETA, Cafaro, an Ohio-based real estate management company, decided to help spread this vital message by creating its own signage and displaying it on dozens of properties in 10 states, as well as on social media. Thousands of shoppers have learned that even a “quick order” can take longer than expected and that just a few minutes can mean the death of loved ones in the car.
PETA presented Cafaro with a Compassionate Business Award and a box of vegan chocolates for dog protection measures, and Cafaro thanked PETA for bringing the issue to the attention by sharing touching photos of employees and their pets in various locations around the country. Word of the Cafaro award and campaign has reached media platforms such as Business magazine, BrainFood From the Heartland, and WKBN, raising awareness of the issue and helping to prevent infection in dogs overwhelmed to death.
Each of us can help save lives in our communities: if you see a dog in a parked car, take action immediately. Write down the color, make, model and license plate of the car and hurry to show the owner of the page of the nearest company. If you cannot find the owner, call your local humane authorities and / or the police. If the dog is not responding or the life of the animal is in immediate danger, take a picture or video and do what you have to do – PETA offers a window hammer to help. Follow Cafaro’s example and remind others not to leave loved ones in the car in any weather.